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NEHA's Celebration of Environmental Health Excellence

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is set to honor trailblazers in the realm of environmental health with its highly anticipated 2025 awards. Scheduled for presentation at the NEHA Annual Education Conference Exhibition, these awards aim to shine a light on individuals and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to the environmental health profession. As Dr. David T. Dyjack, NEHA's executive director, poignantly states, "In a world where environmental health professionals are often unsung heroes, our awards program offers an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and communities making a difference."

Recognition of Excellence Through Awards

The awards to be distributed encompass several categories, each underscoring notable accomplishments in innovation, service, and dedication to public health. Among the highest honors, the Walter S. Mangold Award will be presented to Charles S. Otto, III, a retired Public Health Service officer. His commitment to education and leadership has significantly shaped the standards of environmental health practice across the nation.

The Dr. Bailus Walker, Jr. Diversity and Inclusion Awareness Award will honor Maurica Bynum, whose relentless advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the field seeks to create greater equity and an inclusive future.

Further, the Joe Beck Educational Contribution Award will recognize Joe Sarcone for his invaluable input towards educational advancements within the profession. His development of innovative training tools has made a lasting impression on the educational landscape of environmental health.

Additionally, the Samuel J. Crumbine Award for Excellence in Food Protection will be awarded to Pima County, Arizona. This award is given to local jurisdictions that exemplify excellence in combating foodborne illnesses through innovative practices and impactful public health initiatives.

Celebrating Emerging Leaders

NEHA also highlights the achievements of future leaders through its Student Research Competition. The 2025 winners are Lauren Garcia from East Carolina University and Kira Kalpeshkumar, GOR from the University of Illinois Springfield. Their research projects focus on groundbreaking advancements in environmental health, which will not only aid in academic development but also provide them with the platform to present their findings at the annual conference.

Scholarships for Aspiring Professionals

In addition, NEHA, in collaboration with the American Academy of Sanitarians (AAS), will award five scholarships to promising students pursuing careers in environmental health. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of environmental health professionals.

The recipients of these scholarships are:

• - Caydence Freitas, University of Washington - Dr. Carolyn Hester Harvey Scholarship
• - Savanna Crooks, Eastern Kentucky University - Dr. Sheila Davidson Pressley Scholarship
• - Katrina Cruz, Western Carolina University - NEHA/AAS Undergraduate Scholarship
• - Julia Weakley, Texas A&M University - NEHA/AAS Graduate Scholarship
• - Damilola Sherifat Shaba, University of Illinois - NEHA/AAS Graduate Scholarship

About NEHA

The NEHA represents more than 7,000 environmental health professionals in the United States and internationally, advocating for excellence and ensuring the empowerment of an effective workforce dedicated to maintaining public health standards. Its commitment to recognizing the contributions of individuals and organizations further strengthens the importance of environmental health in today’s society.

For more information about the NEHA awards and scholarships, visit their official website.

This annual awards event not only serves to honor excellence but also inspires further commitment to public health and the environment, fostering a future that champions the health of communities across the nation.